I am gonna try it - sensor cleaning

[DVC Jen]

I ordered the kit from copperhill yesterday. It should be here Thursday. I am going to attempt to clean the sensor on my Canon 30D. Kinda nervous about it. At least I have the extended warranty that covers pretty much everything (just in case).

Any last minute tips?

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

I used the method listed here http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning, I think similar to the way your going to clean yours. Just make sure you have a fully charged battery installed before you start cleaning...I was always worried about the mirror crashing down while i was cleaning!! This process works well, I would clean my 20D ever few months or before weddings. It takes a little practice but works well!

 

[DVC Jen]

thanks. I was planning on putting the camera in cleaning mode - is that what you do?

But I guess if your battery dies - the camera is going to shut off and that mirror will come crashing down regardless huh?

- note to self - freshly charged battery.

 

[We-Luv-Disney]

Yup, custom functions, cleaning mode.

 

[AndrewWG]

It is actually right in the menu on the 30D. I think it says Sensor Cleaning or something like that. That flips the mirror up.

You won't have any problems. The swabs fit a little tight, but I think they are supposed to. Just follow the instructions on the copperhill site and you will be fine. It took me quite a few swabs to get mine clean. I don't think you want to use a swab more than once. Just grab a fresh one if you need to do it again. I think I did it like 4 times before I was satisfied with the cleanliness of the sensor.

You'll do just fine.

 

[boBQuincy]

Having the shutter close and the mirror crash on your cleaning wand isn't the end of the world, just the end of about $200-$300 in your checking account.

Hey, if we're any sort of decent photographer we probably need a new shutter after a year anyway!

 

[handicap18]

I've cleaned mine using the Copper Hill method quite a few times. First time I didn't get everything. But got enough to make me happy. Since that first time I've gotten everything in 1 shot. It does get easier the more you do it. It can be a bit nerve racking the first time. Just take a few deep breaths. The process will be over in a few long seconds.

 

[shancan911]

Ironic, as I sit here tonight, sans XTi. I sent it out today for cleaning. Let us know how you fare. I just couldn't bring myself to do it...

 

[DVC Jen]

Ironic, as I sit here tonight, sans XTi. I sent it out today for cleaning. Let us know how you fare. I just couldn't bring myself to do it...

I couldn't either my first time - so I took it to a local camera shop that had a "great reputation" Well turns out they could have cleaned my sensor with the dogs toothbrush and it would have come back to me cleaner than it did. After a huge fight with them - and having to get our money back via the credit card company - I sent it to be cleaned via Wolf Camera and it came back spotless. That was my XTi nightmare.

I figure I can't do any worse even if I did use the dogs toothbrush - so I have to do ok with the pec pads right?

Thank God I did purchase that extended warranty (it covers everything but dog toothbrushes ). Just in case.

I also figured if I am serious about photography - I need to just bite the bullet and go for it. Just one more thing to learn, right?

 

[fitzperry]

I couldn't either my first time - so I took it to a local camera shop that had a "great reputation" Well turns out they could have cleaned my sensor with the dogs toothbrush and it would have come back to me cleaner than it did. After a huge fight with them - and having to get our money back via the credit card company - I sent it to be cleaned via Wolf Camera and it came back spotless. That was my XTi nightmare.

I figure I can't do any worse even if I did use the dogs toothbrush - so I have to do ok with the pec pads right?

Thank God I did purchase that extended warranty (it covers everything but dog toothbrushes ). Just in case.

I also figured if I am serious about photography - I need to just bite the bullet and go for it. Just one more thing to learn, right?

After reading about your experience with the camera shop/dog groomer I broke down and ordered the Copperhill kit. I'd had a couple of little dust bunnies for quite some time but they were not sufficient to embolden me to actually touch the sensor with a cleaning pad.

Then when we were on vacation in June some nasty piece of slime adhered itself on there and I could put it off no longer. So I locked myself in the bathroom with my camera and the cleaning kit. Well, to make a long story short, I am evidently not as skilled as the other members of this board (or perhaps they're just showing off), but it took me more than a few tries to get all the gunk out of there (is the dog groomer hiring? ). I thought I might run out of cleaning swabs before I got the job done, but somehow I eventually managed to get it cleaned to my satisfaction. The moral of this story is . . . . don't be discouraged if it's not clean after the first try . . . . or the second . . . . or the fifteenth . . . .

Good luck!

 

[skr8pn]

since you know the battery will carry you for a good while be sure to set your auto power down function to off. Being that I don't have my manual in front of me I can't remember does the sensor cleaning over ride that but just in case, I'd do it anyway.

 

[AndrewWG]

since you know the battery will carry you for a good while be sure to set your auto power down function to off. Being that I don't have my manual in front of me I can't remember does the sensor cleaning over ride that but just in case, I'd do it anyway.

I had no problem with this and I took a good long time to clean the sensor my first time. However, it seems like a good idea to me.

 

[Groucho]

It's really not that big of a deal, honestly. Think of it like changing a flat tire. Not something you'd do for fun, but really a fairly simple procedure and unlikely to go wrong as long as you have at least a modicum of care.

Make sure you're tried the Rocket Blower first. I got a blob or two on my CA trip and fortunately I noticed while I was there. A quick few blocks from the Rocket and the sensor was good as new again. Easy peasy!

If it makes you feel better, I'll be happy to take your $150 to clean your sensor with about 10 cents in materials and 5-10 minutes of work.

DVC Jen, I have utmost confidence in your ability to do this! Do us all proud and take before/after photos of a white sheet of paper at F22 or whatever.

 

[DVC Jen]

It's really not that big of a deal, honestly. Think of it like changing a flat tire. Not something you'd do for fun, but really a fairly simple procedure and unlikely to go wrong as long as you have at least a modicum of care.

Make sure you're tried the Rocket Blower first. I got a blob or two on my CA trip and fortunately I noticed while I was there. A quick few blocks from the Rocket and the sensor was good as new again. Easy peasy!

If it makes you feel better, I'll be happy to take your $150 to clean your sensor with about 10 cents in materials and 5-10 minutes of work.

DVC Jen, I have utmost confidence in your ability to do this! Do us all proud and take before/after photos of a white sheet of paper at F22 or whatever.

Thanks! Yer such a pal.

I'm really not all that worried about it. I have a pretty steady hand. It might take me a few times, until I really get the hang of it - but that is OK.

The kit is supposed to come today. Tomorrow night I think we are heading out to the Plano Balloon Festival so I would like to have it cleaned before then. If not - I'll just take the XTi.

Oh - and I have used my knock off rocket blower a few times and it has helped - just didn't make a dent in it this time. That is why I broke down and ordered the pec pads.

 

[jann1033]

jen, the worst you can do is better than the mess you got back before when the camera guys did it somehow i got a ton of junk already so thinking of ordering this for hub to try his hand at.....gulp...